Pathan out with ‘slight strain’

Let’s hope it’s nothing worse: Less than a month ahead of the crucial Pakistan series, Irfan Pathan was ruled out of the Challenger Trophy with a ‘‘slight strain’’. He will be replaced by Bengal’s Ranadeb Bose, one of the leading wicket-takers in both forms of the game this season.

Typically, there was no official word on Irfan till late in the evening, though all the five National selectors were present. Earlier in the day it had been announced that Pathan was just taking a day off but as the day wore on news spread about him being ruled out.

It was a ‘‘collective decision’’, chairman of selectors Kiran More said. ‘‘Saurav, John and I sat down in the afternoon and decided it was not fair to risk him keeping in mind the forthcoming Pakistan series. It is a slight strain. Other than that he is fit, has bowled in the nets as well.’’